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Praise To God Has Irresistible Power, November 19
They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord
hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before
him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
Malachi 3:16
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To the Christian is granted the joy of gathering rays of eternal light from the
throne of glory, and of reflecting these rays not only on his own path, but on
the paths of those with whom he associates. By speaking words of hope and
encouragement, of grateful praise and kindly cheer, he may strive to make those
around him better, to elevate them, to point them to heaven and glory, and to
lead them to seek, above all earthly things, the eternal substance, the immortal
inheritance, the riches that are imperishable.
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“Rejoice in the Lord alway,” says the apostle, “and again I say, Rejoice.”
Wherever we go, we should carry an atmosphere of Christian hopefulness and
cheer; then those who are out of Christ will see attractiveness in the religion we
profess; unbelievers will see the consistency of our faith. We need to have more
distinct glimpses of heaven, the land where all is brightness and joy. We need to
know more of the fullness of the blessed hope. If we are constantly “rejoicing
in hope,” we shall be able to speak words of encouragement to those whom we
meet....
Not alone in daily association with believers and unbelievers are we to glorify
God by speaking often one to another in words of gratitude and rejoicing. As
Christians, we are exhorted not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together,
for our own refreshing, and to impart the consolation we have received. In these
meetings, held from week to week, we should dwell upon God’s goodness and
manifold mercies, upon His power to save from sin. In features, in temper, in
words, in character, we are to witness that the service of God is good. Thus we
proclaim that “the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”
Our prayer and social meetings should be seasons of special help and en-
couragement.... This can best be done by having a fresh experience daily in the
things of God, and by not hesitating to speak of His love in the assemblies of His
people....
If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of ourselves, we should have
much more of His presence. If we abide in Him, we shall be so filled with peace,
faith, and courage, and shall have so victorious an experience to relate when we
come to meeting, that others will be refreshed by our clear, strong testimony for
God. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace,
when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power, which works for
the salvation of souls.
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